can not install xp over vista

On the newer SATA drives, you frequently must access the BIOS and depending on your BIOS type, change the settings to "Disable Native SATA Support" or "Emulate IDE" or something similar.. Once that's done, then XP disc can be used to install the operating system.. Next comes the most difficult part... finding all the correct drivers which are compatible with XP and the hardware on the computer..

For further information, see the information and the many posts in the link below:

Downgrading From Vista To XP
http://forums.cnet.com/5208-12546_102-0.html?messageID=2461470#2461470

Hope this helps.

Grif

<b style = "font-weight:normal; color:red">Note: If you're asking for technical help, please be sure to include all your system info, including operating system, model number, and any other specifics related to the problem.</b>

Specifically, tell us about the computer you are installing Windows on. Most likely, you have a SATA hard drive and are required to supply motherboard-specific SATA drivers during the Windows XP installation process for the operating system to recognize the hard drive. That is one of the downsides to downgrading to Windows XP. (You may also find that your computer manufacturer does not offer Windows XP drivers for your sound card, networking adapter, et cetera, meaning some features of your computer may not work at all under Windows XP.) Without details, though, there's little we can do to help.

John